Here at Dstl, we keep the UK safe and secure by using world-leading science and technology.

We’re a world-leader in our field with one aim – protecting lives. We have specialists making huge scientific advancements, so our work has real value.

We are now looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual to work within our growing Chemical Biological (CB) Analysis and Attribution capability. You'll need a knowledge of ammunition, with a focus on chemical and biological munitions and delivery systems

This an exciting area where you will be part of a highly skilled team of scientific experts. The work undertaken in this area ranges from research, exercising in the form of competency and proficiency testing through to real world operational sample analysis and attribution. The capability has impact at the highest levels of government. You could become part of this team.

Job description

In this role you will:
• Support and assist the Principal CB munitions analyst in range of day to day activities, but also including operational analysis activities. This may involve the use of personal protective equipment and be conducted in a laboratory setting.
• Liaise with colleagues from across Dstl and wider MOD, building strong working relationships to enhance the CB munitions analysis capability.
• Undertake analysis of photographs and a variety of information from a range of sources.
• Have the opportunity to undertake role specific training and mentorship and gain wider experience of working in CBR division.
• Supporting the development of this growing capability.

Job Dimensions
You will work with scientific specialists with variety of different skills. You will report your technical work to the Principal CB munitions analyst and be line managed by the team leader. The team is made up of 10 scientists.
 

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who has:
• A good understanding of conventional, chemical and biological munition design
• Evidence of being a skilled presenter and communicator, with the ability to convey technical information to a non-technical audience
• A team player who works well with others
• A desire to develop their personal and professional skills through training and mentorship
• Someone who wishes to expand science and technology networks including developing international collaboration
Skills – Essential
Knowledge of ammunition, with a focus on chemical and biological munitions and delivery systems
Ability to build effective networks and influence teams
Strong problem solving and analytical skills
Effective time management
Proficient in the use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)
Skills – Desirable
Knowledge of CB delivery systems including their design and means of operation.
Understanding of the analysis and attribution processes
Auditing processes and procedures
Broad range of computer skills
Experience - Essential
Experience working with conventional ordnance and/or chemical munitions and explosives
A good understanding of the safety processes and regulations for hazardous materials
An understanding of the design and manufacture of CB delivery systems
Experience – Desirable
An understanding of the attribution process and the challenges associated with it
An appreciation or familiarity with forensic or investigative processes
An appreciation of the techniques and methods used for the identification and analysis of munitions and CB agents
An interest in the history and development of chemical and biological weapons/delivery systems

Important Information
This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners across the enterprise. We work closely with the Defence and Security Industry on many projects, so it would be great to work with you via one of our partners

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Tell us about your experience/expertise in the identification and assessment of chemical and biological munitions?
• Tell us why you are applying for the role and what you would bring to it in terms of knowledge and experience?
• What do you see as the challenges for the future of CB weapon attribution?

Benefits

We'll provide a great range of benefits including;
• Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
• Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 20 hours can be taken in any calendar month
• Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
• Chartership and accreditation support.
• Pension.
• Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
• A competitive salary.
• Onsite gyms and restaurants.
• Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.


Our Diversity Networks

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution. We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.

These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page 

Things you need to know Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.

The Sift will be completed by 12th November and will assess your answers to the Technical Skills questions and how your CV matches the requirements for the role as detailed in the attached job description.

Interviews will be held on 30th November 2020 and will consist of a combined technical and behavioural interview assessing your skills and experience in relation to the job description.

Due to the current situation interviews are likely to be held via video link and full details will be sent to you should you be invited to an interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.